At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic hospitality team to deliver exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Levy, a visionary venue partner in the hospitality industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, healthcare, 23 days' leave, and fantastic perks.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant environment while shaping the future of hospitality.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior F&B management with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We're looking for a senior leadership position responsible for delivering an exceptional food, beverage and guest experience, while ensuring the operation reflects the client’s brand, standards and ambitions. The General Manager will lead and develop a large hospitality team, drive innovation and continuous improvement, and work closely with the client and internal teams to deliver operational excellence.
We are a visionary venue partner. We design and deliver bespoke guest experiences that prioritise people and the planet. Our mission is to succeed the right way. From pioneering tech and seamless operations to show-stopping menus and exceptional service, we use insight and innovation to understand guests, improve the customer journey, reduce environmental impact, and support local communities.
General Manager - The Role
- Strategic Planning: Work closely with the client and Operations Director to agree strategy, set priorities and deliver clear, measurable action plans.
- Market & Innovation: Stay ahead of competitor activity and industry trends while identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement.
- Operational Excellence: Take ownership of the day-to-day operation, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, service, presentation and guest experience.
- Guest & Client Focus: Build a strong hospitality culture, listen to client and guest feedback, and ensure their needs and expectations are consistently met.
- Health & Safety: Lead and maintain a strong health and safety culture, ensuring full compliance across the venue.
- People Leadership: Recruit, lead and develop the permanent management team while ensuring the right staffing levels are in place for different events and operating hours.
- Casual Workforce: Develop robust recruitment and deployment processes to provide large numbers of casual staff when required for events.
- Team Culture & Development: Create an engaged, motivated team through effective communication, training, performance management, recognition and succession planning.
- Financial Accountability: Take responsibility for the venue’s profitability, budgets, forecasts, P&L and operating costs, using data and KPIs to identify areas for improvement and growth.
- Commercial Growth: Work with culinary, marketing, procurement and suppliers to improve products, control costs, introduce new ideas and increase spend per transaction.
What we're looking for
- Experienced senior leader: At least 5 years’ senior F&B management experience, ideally across multiple sites.
- Strong operational leadership: Able to confidently manage large teams and a varied portfolio of outlets and business functions.
- Venue experience: Ideally experienced in stadiums, arenas or entertainment venues, with Greenfield catering experience being an advantage.
- Client management: Comfortable working directly with clients and building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and partners.
- People-focused: Passionate about recruiting, developing, motivating and retaining high-performing teams.
- Food & hospitality passion: Genuine enthusiasm for food, service and creating an exceptional hospitality experience.
- Change & project management: Experienced in delivering projects, implementing change and driving continuous improvement.
- Commercially focused: Previous P&L accountability, strong financial understanding and the ability to deliver profitable results.
- Confident communicator: Charismatic, energetic and able to influence and communicate effectively with people at all levels.
- Resilient & adaptable: A calm problem-solver who can switch between leading and supporting the team, remain flexible under pressure, and work evenings and weekends when required.
What you’ll get in return
- Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits.
- 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme.
- Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments).
- Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Family benefits: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
- Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts.
- Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products.
- Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways.
- Meals on duty included.
Why Join Us? Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world’s largest catering company, and a vibrant leader in hospitality. We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.
General Manager - Goodwood in Chichester employer: Chartwells Independent
Compass Group UK&I is an exceptional employer located in Winchester, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises individuality and personal development. As a part-time Cafe Supervisor, you'll enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and the chance to advance your career within a leading hospitality organisation that values great customer service and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - Goodwood in Chichester
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Chartwells Independent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells Independent
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells Independent directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - Goodwood in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Chartwells Independent and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
